Being a singer is expensive! You have to pay for music, lessons, performance and audition clothing, training programs- not to mention the time spent in between gigs prepping or waiting for the next paycheck. Here are some side gigs that singers recommend to help put some extra cash in your wallet.

Online Teaching/Tutoring:

In the new technological age, more and more teaching is happening online. Online teaching is a great option for opera singers because it is something that can be done from anywhere with a strong internet connection. It is also relatively flexible in terms of scheduling; usually online tutors work on a contract basis and can choose to accept or refuse students as needed. VIPKID is a great online ESL company in China that I have been a part of for a few months and highly recommend. In addition, check out ABCtutors.

Pro: Online teaching is very flexible. Working it around a busy schedule is fairly easy. 

Con: It can take a while to build a solid base of students. 

Contract Tutoring:

Tutoring is a great option for singers, especially if it is by contract. Similar to online teaching, contracted tutors usually set their own schedule and can choose to accept or decline work as necessary. It also usually pays well. There are many tutoring companies and agencies, so this is a great option to up your cash flow between gigs! Contract tutoring is offered through various companies on a local and national level. Google contract tutoring in your area or check out companies like Huntington Learning Center , Sylvan Learning Center, or BrightKids.

Pro: Contract tutoring pays very well, usually anywhere between $25-$40 an hour. 

Con: Contract tutoring has peak times during the year. Depending on the time of year and what testing is going on, you may have a lot of students or very few students. 

Gig Economy Jobs:

Many singers have taken to the gig economy to fill their pockets. Obvious contenders are the ride-sharing giants Uber and Lyft. However, there are also plenty of non-driving options on the market. Rev.com is a great site for freelance captioning and transcription. TaskRabbit and Fiverr are also great options if you are an organizer or hold a specific home-based skill set.

Pro: Gig economy jobs are extremely flexible to work around a busy schedule. 

Con: Gig economy jobs are almost all paid on a 1099, which means you will have to pay your own taxes. 

Multi-Level Marketing:

Many singers have found a lot of opportunity in multi-level marketing companies like Arbonne, Beachbody, and DoTerra. Many of these companies offer a quality compensation plan with a remote job you can do from anywhere. They offer fairly flexible schedules, and it is a great way to monetize your time. 

Pro: Multi-level marketing companies offer a lot of opportunities for personal growth in addition to being a great source of income. 

Con: Sometimes Multi-Level marketing companies have a high start-up cost. 

Private Lessons:

Teaching private lessons is a great way to earn some extra cash. There are many ways to teach online. Lessonface and TakeLessons have options to travel or teach online lessons. You can also set up your own private studio or work in a studio, music school, or music store. You could also travel to student's homes. Some national music stores and agencies include Guitar Center, Innovative Piano, Musika and Bach to Rock. In addition, you can also build a private lesson studio yourself! 

Pro: Lessons are lucrative. Because you are a professional musician, you can set your rate according to the area you live in and your experience. 

Con: No matter where you teach lessons, whether it is at a studio/school or by yourself, you will have to do most, if not all, of your own bookkeeping. 

Nannying:

Many singers have taken to nannying as flexible part-time work. Some singers do this privately while others opt for websites and agencies like Care.com. 

Pro: Nannying is something you can pick up more of when you need money or do less of when you have other gigs.

Con: Nannying can be exhausting work, depending on the situation.

Make sure you do your research before jumping into any jobs! Many of the jobs listed here are flexible for singers who need to be able to move their schedule around. What are some great side-hustles you have found that are not on our list?